Learning Outcomes

The certificate provides the ability to:

• think about and develop works of art that use digital technology in creative ways;
• participate in critical discourse about such artistic works;
• collaborate across disciplines on artistic projects at the intersection of the physical and digital worlds; and
• use art and digital technology to identify, attract, and interact with audiences in a meaningful and creative way.

Most courses will include a public dimension, where projects are shown to a public audience.

The undergraduate Certificate in Digital Arts requires a minimum of 25 s.h. of coursework, including at least 18 s.h. earned at the University of Iowa. Students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 2.00 in coursework for the certificate. Courses taken pass/nonpass do not count toward the certificate.

The certificate may be earned by any student admitted to the University of Iowa who is not enrolled in a UI graduate or professional degree program. Undergraduate to Graduate (U2G) students may earn the certificate when the undergraduate classification is primary.

Students should declare their intent to earn the certificate at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Programs office, at the Academic Advising Center, or on MyUI.

Students complete two core courses (6 s.h.), one Interactive Sound course (3 s.h.), one Electronics/Robotics course (4 s.h.), one capstone project (3 s.h.), and additional elective hours (9 s.h.).

They must meet with the certificate director or a digital arts advisor every semester to discuss their course selections and plan for the capstone course. The capstone project course may be taken only after both core courses have been completed.

The Certificate in Digital Arts requires the following coursework.

Core Courses 

 Interactive Sound

Electronics/Robotics

Capstone Project

The capstone project must result in a work that is both artistic and digital, and it must be shared in a meaningful way with the public. It must be informally approved by the certificate director at least one semester before the work takes place. The student will then select at least one faculty member from an appropriate department as a formal advisor. The student then submits a written proposal to the certificate director and the advisor. The proposal must include a description of the work; a statement of why the student is prepared to accomplish the work; and a list of equipment, materials, space, or funding required.

Once the proposal is approved by the director and advisor, the student enrolls in an independent study in the advisor's home department with the advisor as instructor. The student meets with the advisor on a regular basis and engages other faculty and students as needed. Once the project is complete and shared publicly, the advisor evaluates the project and submits a grade.

Elective Courses

Sample Plan of Study

Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.

Digital Arts, Certificate

a

Students must complete at least 9 s.h. of electives; see General Catalog for list of approved courses.

b

Consult certificate director for specifics.